Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 648 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently debating the provision of affordable housing in new developments, with some approving 100% affordable schemes while others grant permission despite its absence.

Councils are currently making decisions on the provision of affordable housing, with some approving schemes that include it and others granting permission despite its absence. In October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council approved plans for 300 100% affordable homes on Green Belt land. Conversely, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for 27 residential flats in October 2026 despite objections from residents and ward councillors regarding the absence of affordable housing contributions. Richmond upon Thames Council also approved a conversion project in October 2026, despite concerns about affordable housing provision.

The topic of affordable housing, which refers to housing made available at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes, is scheduled for further discussion. Waltham Forest Council's Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss its housing resident engagement strategy on October 15, 2026. Havering Council's Planning Committee will consider new residential developments on October 15, 2026, and Hackney's Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission will meet on October 19, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Kensington and Chelsea Council approved 27 flats in October 2026 despite the absence of affordable housing. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 100% affordable homes in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  3. Richmond upon Thames Council approved a conversion in October 2026 despite affordability concerns. Source
  4. Brent Council committed to 19 affordable one-bedroom homes in October 2026. Source
  5. Lambeth Council adopted a housing plan in October 2026 identifying 13 development sites. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 74

  1. K&C Housing Strategy Aims for Safe and Diverse Homes Post-Grenfell Kensington and Chelsea are set to implement a new housing strategy, prioritising safe and modern homes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Leadership Team reviewed... Kensington and Chelsea 13 July 2025
  2. Lewisham Council Advances Social Housing Plan Lewisham Council is progressing with its Building for Lewisham Programme, an initiative designed to increase the availability of social housing within the borough. The council... Lewisham 13 July 2025
  3. Islington Council to Debate Support for Private Renters Islington Council convened on Thursday, 10 July 2025, to discuss a motion aimed at bolstering support for the borough's private renters, who constitute over a third of... Islington 13 July 2025
  4. Merton Council Aims for 50% Affordable Housing at Britannia Point Development Merton Council is aiming for 50% of new homes at the Britannia Point development to be affordable, according to a recent council meeting. The council also confirmed they have... Merton 13 July 2025
  5. Teviot Estate Regeneration Plan Debated: 1,928 Homes Proposed Tower Hamlets councillors have debated a plan to regenerate the Teviot Estate, which could see the construction of 1,928 new homes. Tower Hamlets 12 July 2025
  6. Westminster Council to Build 50% Affordable Housing on Harrow Road Westminster Council has approved a plan to build a residential development on Harrow Road, with 50% of the habitable rooms designated as affordable housing. The development will... Westminster 12 July 2025
  7. Westminster City Council Overspends by £13.6M, Offset by Reserves; Treasury Management Exceeds Budget Westminster City Council experienced a £13.6 million overspend in the 2024/25 financial year, primarily due to increased temporary accommodation costs and overspends in... Westminster 12 July 2025
  8. Hackney to Build 305 New Council Homes Hackney Council is set to construct 305 new council homes across nine development projects, marking the first phase of its ambitious New Homes Programme (NHP). The decision was... Hackney 11 July 2025